The Beginning: An Idea Takes Shape (2020–2021)
The Never Say Retired mission was officially launched in January 2021. However, like most meaningful initiatives, its roots lay a few months earlier—in a period of quiet reflection and growing concern. I was deeply troubled by a paradox that modern India was beginning to face. On one hand, life expectancy was increasing and people were living longer, healthier lives. On the other, retirement continued to be treated as a full stop, usually at the age of 60.
Increasing the retirement age, I realised, was not the solution. That would only restrict opportunities for the youth. The real issue was far more serious: an enormous national asset—retired professionals with 30–35 years of knowledge, experience, wisdom, and networks—was being left unutilised.
If channelled positively, this vast pool of experience could significantly contribute to society and nation-building. This conviction became the foundation of Never Say Retired.
With the help of a friend, the website was created, and the mission formally began its journey.
Early Efforts: Building Awareness and Community
The first phase focused on awareness and connection. I began posting stories related to senior citizens—drawn from newspapers, digital media, and real-life experiences—on the Never Say Retired website and Facebook group.
One particular incident became a turning point. A story circulated on WhatsApp about an elderly woman whose life was saved simply because she was part of a WhatsApp group of seniors. The group had a simple rule: every member would respond to a morning message. One day, when the lady did not respond, fellow members grew concerned. After repeated failed attempts to contact her, they visited her home and found her unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital and survived because of timely intervention.
When I shared this story and appealed to people to form similar support groups, the response was overwhelming. Many seniors adopted the idea and implemented it in their own neighbourhoods. This reaffirmed my belief that small, thoughtful actions can make a life-saving difference.
Writing as a Tool for Motivation
Encouraged by these responses, I began writing regularly—articles aimed at motivating seniors to remain active, engaged, and socially connected. The underlying philosophy was simple yet powerful: by helping others, we actually help ourselves.
Staying engaged keeps seniors physically active, mentally alert, and emotionally fulfilled. It reduces negativity, loneliness, and health-related anxieties. Over time, these weekly articles became a defining feature of the mission. I am now close to completing 100 articles, each focused on issues, opportunities, and inspiration for senior citizens.
One article, advocating for senior-friendly footpaths to encourage walking and better health, received an exceptional response on social media. I even wrote to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on this subject, reinforcing the idea that age-friendly infrastructure is a public health investment, not a luxury.
Advocacy and Policy-Oriented Thinking
As the mission matured, Never Say Retired began moving beyond motivation into advocacy. A recent and significant idea was to utilise the services of retired seniors in government schools, which are chronically short of teachers.
Retired teachers, professionals, and subject experts can bring discipline, experience, and values into classrooms—especially in rural and semi-urban areas. On behalf of the mission, I wrote appeals to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Education Minister, and other concerned authorities, and also published an article on the subject. This marked an important shift: from conversation to constructive policy dialogue.
Another important area of advocacy that emerged during this phase was the urgent need for more Old Age Homes, along with proper regulation and minimum mandatory facilities in such institutions.
With changing family structures, increasing urbanisation, and longer life spans, the demand for Old Age Homes in India is rising steadily. However, availability, quality, and regulatory oversight vary widely. Many seniors, especially those without family support, are left vulnerable.
Recognising this growing challenge, Never Say Retired brought the issue to the attention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister through a detailed communication. The focus was not merely on increasing numbers, but also on ensuring dignity, safety, healthcare access, and basic living standards for residents. The advocacy emphasised that Old Age Homes should not be seen as a social failure, but as a necessary and humane response to contemporary realities.
This initiative complemented the earlier appeal for engaging retired seniors in government schools—together reflecting the mission’s broader approach: protecting senior citizens where support is needed, and empowering them where contribution is possible.
Digital Expansion: Reaching Wider Audiences
To connect more deeply with seniors across the country, a YouTube channel was launched. In a short span, it has grown to over 90 videos—all exclusively focused on issues related to senior citizens. These include health, mobility, purpose after retirement, social engagement, and inspiring life stories.
The mission also established a strong presence across multiple social media platforms:
- Never Say Retired Forum group on Facebook
- Official Never Say Retired Facebook page
- Presence on X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Recently launched Never Say Retired WhatsApp Channel
In addition, messages shared personally on WhatsApp are frequently forwarded, and reposts across platforms continue to gain momentum—spreading the message organically.
Recognition and Institutional Engagement
Gradually, housing societies and senior citizen groups began taking note of the mission’s work. Invitations started coming in to address gatherings of elderly residents and share the Never Say Retired philosophy.
A particularly encouraging moment came when an official from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment approached us to organise a legal awareness session for senior citizens. This interaction reaffirmed that the mission had begun to gain credibility not just at the community level, but also within institutional frameworks.
Appreciations from all over
The mission started getting appreciation from important personalities and many friends and relatives. Many saints and public figures sent messages, the testimonials being recorded on the website. Felt immense encouragement when someone from New Zealand phones to know what activities can be suggested for his 75 year old mother, or when a person from Siliguri wants to find further details of an old age home about which I had written in my recent article. A number of well-wishers have started forwarding me messages/videos daily, which are related to my mission. These have in fact helped me in my writings.
